Botulinum Toxin Type A 

    safety and effectiveness

    The safety and effectiveness of Botox® and dysport injections depends on the experience and training of the injector. At Ivy Laser Clinic, Botox® and dysport injections are completed by our expert nurse practitioners and registered nurses. 

    Both the nurse practitioners and registered nurses have extensive training with Botox® and dysport which lead to excellent results!

    What is botulinum toxin type A? (aka Botox)

    Botulinum toxin type A is a drug that originated from the bacillus toxin produced by Clostridium Botulinum. Fortunately, over the years since the 1800s, it has been studied and proven safe for the use of cosmetic and medical indications.

    How does botox work?

    • Chronic migraines
    • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating armpits, hands, feet)
    • Prevention of wrinkles and folds
    • Frontalis (prevent deep lines on forehead)
    • The Glabellar Complex (prevent 11’s aka deep frown lines)
    • Orbicularis Oculi (crows feet)
    • Naslis (bunny lines)
    • Depressor septi nasi muscle (prevent nasal drooping)
    • Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi (reduce appearance of a gummy smile)
    • Masseters (chew muscles for TMJ pain & jaw slimming effect)
    • Depressor anguli oris ‘DAO’ (raise corner of mouth reduce sad appearance)
    • Mentalis (reduce chin dimpling)
    • Platysmal bands (prevent wrinkles and soften the neck region)

    If you suffer from any of these concerns, you should consider booking a consultation to see what the best treatment plan is to achieve your desired appearance.

    Does it hurt?

    Getting botox done is actually quite fast, it takes longer to prepare you for the procedure along with the consultation. You may experience some discomfort such as some stinging or piercing feeling when the tiny needle is penetrating into the skin, however it is very tolerable. At Ivy Laser Clinic we do our best to keep you comfortable, take breaks if needed, and talk through the procedure.

    When can I start botox?

    Many people start for various reasons, however the best rule of thumb with botox is prevention. As we would like to prevent wrinkles from deepening into folds, ideally a great time to start is in your late 20’s/30’s. However, we have treated as early as 21 years of age for hereditary wrinkling and due to the tailored concerns of the patient. 

    As we age, we do create wrinkles and folds, hence after 40 years of age, our goal is not to get rid of the current wrinkles, however, prevent the current wrinkles from deepening. Of course, this is variable to each individual.

    How long does it last? When should I come back for my next treatment?

    Usually lasts between 3-4months, in some cases up to 6 months. Ideally, we’d like our clients to come no sooner than the 3 month mark to maintain the results, however you can decide on when to come in next once you start to faintly see your wrinkles coming back with moderate muscle function.

    Before the procedure

    • Do not drink alcohol at least 12-24h prior to your appointment

    • Do not take NSAID drugs (aspirin, advil), avoid Vitamin E and fish oils, blood thinners (please discuss this with your family physician prior to stopping your blood thinners)

    • Avoid Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Retinoids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid for 3 days prior
    • Avoid bleaching, waxing, or tweezing the area to be treated 1-2 days prior to treatment

    • Try to avoid wearing makeup in the area to be treated. It is highly advisable to avoid makeup entirely

    After procedure

    • For the first 4h, do not bend forward or lay down
    • Avoid rubbing or massaging the area treated for 24h
    • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and working out for minimum 24-48h
    • Avoid extreme heat, sun exposure, and freezing temperature for 24h
    • Avoid facials or any manipulation to the face for 2 weeks post procedure
    • Avoid Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Retinoids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid for 3 days
    • If you get a headache, feel free to take Tylenol, avoid Aspirin or Advil
    • Avoid alcohol for first 24h
    • For the first 4h, do not bend forward or lay down
    • Avoid rubbing or massaging the area treated for 24h
    • Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and working out for minimum 24-48h
    • Avoid extreme heat, sun exposure, and freezing temperature for 24h
    • Avoid facials or any manipulation to the face for 2 weeks post procedure
    • Avoid Retin-A, Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Retinoids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid for 3 days
    • If you get a headache, feel free to take Tylenol, avoid Aspirin or Advil
    • Avoid alcohol for first 24